Airbag device with brake band mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag arrangement comprising at least one airbag module (1) and at least one brake band mechanism (2), the at least one airbag module (1) comprising at least one airbag, and the at least one brake belt mechanism (2) comprises at least one brake belt assembly and at least one tightening device (4) for the at least one brake belt assembly; one end of the brake band assembly is attached to the airbag, and the tightening device (4) pulls at least one brake band (3) of the brake band assembly in a tightening direction (5) during a tightening process; according to the invention, at least one stop (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) is provided, by means of which the brake band (3) is prevented from being pulled out counter to the tightening direction (5) after the tightening process.

Description

[0001] manual

[0002] The invention relates to an airbag device having at least one airbag module and at least one brake band mechanism. The airbag module comprises at least one airbag, and the at least one brake band mechanism comprises at least one brake band device and at least one tightening device for the at least one brake band device. One end of the brake band device is attached to the airbag, wherein the tightening device pulls at least one brake band of the brake band device in a pulling direction during a tightening operation.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle having a backrest, a seat and an airbag device of this type, wherein preferably at least one tightening device is arranged in the seat and at least one airbag module is arranged in the backrest.

[0004] It can be provided that the airbag arrangement comprises two airbag modules, each of which is arranged in a lateral region of the backrest, and two associated tightening devices are arranged in the seat. Preferably, a tightening device is assigned to each airbag module.

[0005] It can be provided that the brake band arrangement comprises exactly one brake band which is attached to the airbag at one end and connected to the tightening device at its other end. Alternatively, it can be provided that the brake band arrangement comprises a plurality of brake bands connected to one another, one of which is directly connected to the tightening device for the tightening operation.

[0006] The tightening device preferably comprises a linear accelerating element, the linear movement of which causes the tightening operation. The linear accelerating element can be driven in the driving direction, for example by means of a pyrotechnic drive or a spring. In this case, the brake band connected to the tightening device can be directly attached to the element that can be accelerated in a straight line. However, it can also be provided that the brake band is fixedly connected to the tightening device and is deflected by the element that can be accelerated in a straight line. In particular in the latter case, the distance travelled by the end of the brake band that is attached to the airbag can be greater than the distance travelled by the linear accelerating element, wherein a type of pulley is formed in the tightening device.

[0007] The tightening device may for example comprise a tensioner tube in which a piston is arranged. When the piston is driven by the compressed gas generated by the gas generator, the tensioner tube forms a kind of cylinder. The piston arranged in the tensioner tube / cylinder may be connected to the aforementioned linear acceleration element via a piston rod (which may also be referred to as a rod-shaped adjustment element) so that the element is directly driven by the acceleration of the piston.

[0008] The above-mentioned deflection element can be arranged at the end of the rod-shaped adjusting element opposite to the piston. In this case, the tightening device is specifically connected to the brake band device via the deflection element, so that the brake band device is deflected by the deflection element at least before and / or during the tightening operation. The parts of the brake band arranged in the direction of the brake band in front and behind the deflection element are therefore arranged at an angle to each other. For example, the brake band can be deflected by the deflection element by more than 60°, preferably more than 90° or about 180°. The degree of deflection can be constant during the tightening operation, but can also be changed during the tightening operation. In a preferred embodiment, the deflection of 180° (which does not change during the tightening operation) is carried out by means of the deflection element. In particular, in this context, it can also be provided that the brake band is fixed on one side of the rod-shaped adjusting element and on the opposite side is guided in a guide for the tightening movement of the brake band, wherein the brake band preferably extends transversely, offset from the linear movement direction of the rod-shaped adjusting element. In particular, before and preferably also during the tightening operation, the braking band extends parallel to the linear movement direction of the rod-shaped adjusting element.

[0009] The brake band and the linear acceleration deflection element are arranged relative to each other in particular such that a type of pulley is formed, wherein the deflection element forms a moving deflection. As a result, the end of the brake band device attached to the airbag covers a greater distance during a tightening operation than the linear acceleration deflection element. In this regard, the brake band mechanism may have one or more deflectors external to the tightening device, with which the brake band of the brake band mechanism is deflected.

[0010] The brake band or bands of the brake band arrangement are in particular made of a stretchable fabric and can be designed in the form of a belt or a rope.

[0011] The deflection element can preferably be arranged or formed directly on the rod-shaped adjusting element. In an alternative embodiment, however, provision is made for a type of cage to be arranged on the rod-shaped adjusting element, in which the deflection element is mounted, for example as a deflection roller. The cage driven by the rod-shaped adjusting element is located in particular in the housing of the tightening device and, if necessary, can be guided by this housing during its linear movement.

[0012] In the initial state, the airbag, which is arranged in particular in the backrest of the vehicle seat, is designed such that after the airbag has been triggered, the airbag deploys beside and / or in front of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. It can be provided that the brake band device at least temporarily guides the deployment process during the deployment of the airbag (for example when the brake band device is in the tensioned state). It is also conceivable that the brake band device is unwound from a reel during deployment or is tightened from a wound or folded state by the deployed airbag.

[0013] The tightening device is arranged to retract the brake band arrangement during deployment or at the end of the deployment process and thus influence the deployment process or bring the airbag to the final position after deployment. For example, a part of the airbag attached in front of the occupant after deployment can be pulled towards the backrest by the tightening device so that the occupant is also pulled towards the backrest.

[0014] For example, from US2019 / 0248322 A1, a vehicle seat with an airbag device as described above is known, in which the tightening device winds up the brake band device by means of a rotational movement for a tightening operation. However, after the tightening operation by winding up the brake band device, the brake band device can be unwound again, whereby the occupant who was initially restrained by the airbag in the direction of the backrest can be moved away from the backrest again. However, it is desirable that the brake band device can no longer be pulled out after the tightening operation.

[0015] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages described with reference to the prior art and in particular to specify an airbag device in which the retaining function of the airbag connected to the brake band arrangement remains even after the tightening operation has ended.

[0016] A possible solution to this problem is provided by an airbag device having the features of the independent claim. Further solutions and advantageous developments of the airbag device are provided in the above and below description, wherein individual features of the solutions and developments can be combined with one another in a technically sensible manner.

[0017] This object is achieved in particular by an airbag device having the features mentioned at the outset in which at least one backstop is provided, by means of which a pulling out of the brake band counter to the pulling direction after a tightening operation can be prevented.

[0018] In other words: The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the stop provides a device element which is designed so that the brake band pulled in the pulling direction by the tightening device cannot be pulled out again in the opposite direction, for example by an occupant pressed into the airbag. One or more stops can be provided for this purpose. A plurality of stops with the same action mechanism or a plurality of stops with different action mechanisms can be provided. Thus, preferably, at least two stops with different action mechanisms or even three stops with different action mechanisms are provided. Accordingly, for example, at least one first stop can act on the deflection element and the deflection element is fixed against backward movement in its position, which is displaced in particular linearly by the drive device. At least one second stop can act directly on an element of the drive device, such as a spring or a rod-shaped element of a piston / cylinder device. At least one third stop can act directly on the brake band of the brake band device. By means of at least one stop, the brake band is prevented from being pulled out at the end of the tightening operation, so that if necessary, the brake band can be pulled out in the opposite direction to the initial pulling direction under the action of a very large force that overcomes the stop.

[0019] In principle, it is possible to arrange the stop as a component separate from the tightening device. However, it is preferred that the stop is integrated in the tightening device and / or is attached as a component in / on the tightening device, so that the tightening device with the stop can be attached to the vehicle seat as a structural unit. In this case, the tightening device therefore comprises at least one stop and preferably all stops.

[0020] In a first specific embodiment, a tightening device is proposed that includes a deflection element described at the beginning, which can be driven in a drive direction and which deflects the brake band of a brake band device in the tightening device, wherein at least one (first) stop prevents the deflection element from moving in the opposite direction to the drive direction.

[0021] In this context, it can be provided in particular that the deflection element is, for example, rotatably mounted on a holder and that the holder can be driven within the housing in a drive direction, wherein the (first) stop has a clamping element arranged on the holder which prevents the holder from moving in the housing opposite to the drive direction.

[0022] For example, a component can be provided which prevents a deflection element, which is moved in a straight line, for example by a pyrotechnic drive or a spring, from being blocked or stuck when moving opposite to the drive direction. For example, plates, balls, rings, etc. can be arranged relative to each other so that a corresponding movement opposite to the drive direction is prevented.

[0023] In this particular case, for example, in particular a metal plate can be arranged on the holder in such a way that, when the holder moves in the drive direction, the metal plate slides along the inner side of the housing, whereas, when moving in the opposite direction opposite to the drive direction, the plate engages with its edge in the surface of the housing and thereby blocks a backward movement of the holder.

[0024] Alternatively, it can be provided that one element or several elements of the stop act on an element of the drive device and in particular on a drivable rod-shaped adjusting element of the tightening device, wherein the stop acts directly on the rod-shaped adjusting element. Thus, the piston rod of the piston / cylinder unit can be blocked in its extended position by the stop, which prevents the piston rod from moving backwards. Such a (second) stop can act inside the cylinder or outside the cylinder. It can also be provided that at least two second stops are provided, wherein one second stop acts on the piston rod inside the cylinder and another second stop acts on the piston rod outside the cylinder.

[0025] For example, the (second) stop may have a first locking element and a second locking element, the first locking element at least partially changing conically along the piston rod, the second locking element interacting with the tapered portion of the first locking element. The locking element is preferably designed as an annular ring and surrounds the rod-shaped adjusting element. The two locking elements are arranged relative to each other so that the piston rod can be pushed out of the cylinder in the driving direction, wherein the first locking element interacts with the second locking element due to the return movement of the piston rod, whereby the return movement of the piston rod is also stopped. During the return movement, the annular second locking element is either clamped between the locking element and the piston rod by the tapered tapered portion of the first locking element, or between the tapered tapered element and the inner side of the cylinder. When the piston rod moves in the driving direction, the annular second locking element is oppositely placed on a flat surface aligned orthogonally to the piston rod, so that the piston rod can move.

[0026] At least one (third) stop can act directly on the brake band of the brake band device, wherein it is particularly provided that the (third) stop has a rib along which the brake band is guided, wherein the rib is designed such that the brake band can be moved in the pulling direction and is blocked by the rib counter to the pulling direction. The rib is particularly formed by a plurality of parallel elongated protrusions. In this case, the rib can be aligned in the pulling direction of the brake band so that the brake band automatically presses against the surface during the movement of the brake band counter to the pulling direction.

[0027] In particular, it can be provided that the (third) stop has two groups of ribs between which the brake band is guided. The ribs can be formed as a single piece on the component. For example, the longitudinally extending ribs can be aligned at an angle of, for example, between 30° and 60° relative to the pulling direction of the brake band, so that the brake band is pressed by the ribs onto the base of the stop during a movement counter to the pulling direction, in particular if the two groups of ribs are aligned parallel to each other and at a constant distance from each other. However, the two groups of ribs do not necessarily have to be aligned strictly parallel to each other. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, it can be provided that the ribs are arranged in a V-shape relative to each other, so that the distance between the two groups of ribs decreases in the direction of the ground, and during a movement counter to the pulling direction, the brake band moves towards the ground, whereby the clamping effect can be increased.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the mutual distance between ribs arranged one behind the other in the direction of the brake band decreases in the pulling direction, whereby the load in the brake band is distributed more evenly. Thus, a pair of two ribs arranged on either side of the brake band can be spaced closer to one another than a pair of ribs arranged behind the brake band in the pulling direction.

[0029] In this context, it can further be provided that the (third) stop comprises at least one cable guide which is designed and arranged such that, when the brake band device is loaded counter to the pulling direction, the brake band is loaded against the bases of the ribs which are arranged in a V-shape relative to each other. The cable guide is formed, for example, by a protrusion which is arranged in front of or behind the ribs in the direction of the brake band or another physical structure over which the brake band is guided, wherein, when the brake band is loaded counter to the pulling direction, the cable guide at least partially loads the brake band in the direction of the bases of the ribs which are arranged in a V-shape, such that during a subsequent movement of the brake band counter to the pulling direction, the brake band is automatically clamped.

[0030] The present invention and the technical environment are explained exemplarily below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Schematically, in the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is part of the frame of a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag,

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tightening device of an airbag device,

[0033] Figure 3 is based on Figure 2 Another partial cutaway perspective view of the tightening device of

[0034] Figure 4 is based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the tightening device; and

[0035] Figure 5is a cage with a deflection element having a tightening device,

[0036] Figures 6 to 9 are different possibilities for fastening the brake band to the housing of the tightening device,

[0037] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a tightening device having a first stop,

[0038] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a tightening device with a second stop,

[0039] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the third stop,

[0040] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of the third stop, and

[0041] Fig.14 It is a top view of the third stop.

[0042] exist Figure 1 2 shows a part of a frame of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat comprises a seat 17 and a backrest 16. An airbag arrangement is integrated into the vehicle seat and comprises two airbag modules 1 and two brake band mechanisms 2.

[0043] The airbag module 1 is arranged in a lateral region of the backrest 16. Figure 1 The airbag modules 1 are shown in the hood in a folded state only, and are deployed in front of and / or beside an occupant on a vehicle seat when triggered. The airbag modules 1 each also include a gas generator, by which the airbag can be deployed.

[0044] The brake band mechanisms 2 each have a tightening device 4 and a brake band device. The brake band 3 of the brake band device is connected to the tightening device 4, wherein one end of the brake band 3 is connected to the airbag. In the event of being triggered, the deployed airbag can be guided together with the tightened brake band device, wherein the brake band device can be retracted by means of the tightening device, so that the deploying or deployed airbag can be brought to a desired position.

[0045] Figures 2 to 4 The tightening device 4 shown comprises a housing 9 in which a holder 8 is arranged, which holder can be driven into linear movement by means of a piston-cylinder arrangement. Figure 5 As shown, the length of the cage 8 in the driving direction is greater than the width, so that the cage 8 will not get stuck in the housing 9. In addition, the cage 8 has a longitudinally extending protrusion shape, which enables the cage 8 to be guided in the housing 9 with as little friction as possible.

[0046] A deflection element 7 is mounted on a holder 8 , with which the brake band 3 is deflected.

[0047] The brake band 3 is fixed on one side of the piston-cylinder unit to a brake band fastener 19 on the housing 9. From this brake band fastener 19, the brake band 3 extends approximately parallel to the drive direction of the cage 8, is deflected by 180° by the deflection element 7, and leaves the tensioning device 4 via the third stop 6.3.

[0048] Figures 6 to 9 Various possibilities are shown of how the brake band 3 can be fastened to the brake band fastening 19 on the housing 9. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, a knot is introduced in the brake band 3 so that the brake band 3 cannot pass through the opening in the housing 9. Figure 7 In the embodiment of the invention, the brake band 3 is fixed to the housing 9 when the tightening device 4 is triggered, for example by sewing an eyelet on the brake band 3 outside the housing 9 of the tightening device 4 so that the eyelet cannot be pulled through an opening in the housing 9. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is fastened to the brake band 3 in a form-fitting and / or press-fitting manner or integrally, wherein the sleeve has an outer circumference that is larger than the opening in the housing 9. The sleeve can be fixed to the brake band 3 in any suitable manner. Fig. 9 In the three embodiments described above, a type of sleeve is applied to the end of the brake band 3. The sleeve has a shape at its end with which the sleeve can be fastened to the housing 9 of the tightening device 4. For example, Fig. 9 The sleeve shown can be attached to the housing 9 by means of screws. Fig. 9 The sleeve shown in the middle and bottom allows the sleeve to be fixed to the housing in a form-fitting and / or press-fitting manner.

[0049] When the tightening device 4 is activated, the piston rod (also referred to as piston-shaped adjusting element 12) is driven in the cylinder 18 in the driving direction 11 by means of compressed gas generated by a pyrotechnic drive or by a spring. As a result, the brake band 3 is pulled into the tightening device 4 in the pulling direction 5. Since one end of the brake band 3 is fixed to the brake band fastener 19 on the housing 9 and the brake band 3 is deflected by 180° by the deflection element 7, the tightening path of the other end of the brake band device is twice as large as the path covered by the adjusting element 12.

[0050] At the end of the tightening operation, it is desired that the brake band 3 cannot be pulled out again from the tightening device 4. For this purpose, a plurality of stops are proposed.

[0051] Fig.10A first stop 6.1 is shown attached to the holder 8. Accordingly, a plate-shaped clamping element 10 is attached to the holder 8 and is bent such that it slides along the inside of the housing 9 during a clamping movement in the direction of the drive direction 11. However, if the holder 8 is moved counter to the drive direction 11, the edge of the clamping element 10 engages in the interior of the housing 9, thereby preventing further movement counter to the drive direction 11.

[0052] according to Fig.11 The second stop 6.2 shown, the first locking element 13.1 and the second locking element 13.2 are arranged in the cylinder 18. In addition, the first locking element 13.1 and the second locking element 13.2 are arranged outside the cylinder 18. The first locking element 13.1 and the second locking element 13.2 surround the rod-shaped adjusting element 12. The first locking element 13.1 has a tapered tapered portion, which tapers in the opposite direction of the driving direction 11. The second locking element 13.2 is designed to be annular. During the tightening operation on the driving direction 11, the second annular locking element 13.2 is located on a flat surface oriented perpendicular to the driving direction 11 and does not hinder the tightening movement. However, if the rod-shaped adjusting element 12 moves in the opposite direction of the driving direction 11, the second locking element 13.2 is pressed against the inner side of the cylinder 18 or against the adjusting element 12 by the tapered portion of the first locking element 13.1, thereby blocking the adjusting element 12 from moving in the opposite direction of the driving direction 11. Therefore, the first locking element 13.1 arranged inside the cylinder 18 is immovably connected to the adjustment element 12 and follows the movement of the adjustment element 12. However, the first locking element 13.1 arranged outside the cylinder 18 is fixed in place so that the adjustment element 12 can move relative to the first locking element 13.1.

[0053] Figure 12 to Figure 14 It shows that the same Figure 2 and Figure 33. The third stop 6.3 is shown in FIG. 3. The third stop 6.3 comprises two groups of ribs 14 between which the brake band 3 is guided. The brake band 3 enters the third stop 6.3 between the ribs 14 via a cable guide 15. The ribs 14 have an inclination relative to the longitudinal extension of the brake band 3, so that the brake band 3 is pulled onto the base 20 of the third stop 6.3 under a load counter to the pulling direction 5. In addition, the two groups of ribs 14 are arranged relative to each other so that their distance towards the base 20 decreases. In a longitudinal view along the brake band 3, the two groups of ribs are arranged in a V-shape, thereby further increasing the clamping effect when loading the brake band 3 counter to the pulling direction 5. In addition, the mutual distance between the ribs 14 arranged one behind the other in the direction of the brake band decreases in the pulling direction 5, whereby the load in the brake band 3 is distributed more evenly. Therefore, a pair of two ribs 14 arranged on both sides of the brake band 3 are at a smaller distance from each other than a pair of ribs 14 arranged behind the brake band in the pulling direction 5.

[0054] Reference numerals list

[0055] 1 Airbag module

[0056] 2 Brake band mechanism

[0057] 3 Brake band

[0058] 4 Tighten the equipment

[0059] 5 Pull direction

[0060] 6.1 First stop

[0061] 6.2 Second stop

[0062] 6.3 Third stop

[0063] 7 Deflection element

[0064] 8 Cage

[0065] 9 Housing

[0066] 10 Clamping element

[0067] 11 Driving direction

[0068] 12. Adjustment element

[0069] 13.1 First locking element

[0070] 13.2 Second locking element

[0071] 14 Rib

[0072] 15 Cage guide

[0073] 16 Backrest

[0074] 17 Seats

[0075] 18 Cylinders

[0076] 19 Brake band fastener

[0077] 20 base

Claims

1. An airbag device, comprising at least one airbag module (1) and at least one brake band mechanism (2), wherein The at least one airbag module (1) comprises at least one airbag, and The at least one brake band mechanism (2) comprises at least one brake band device and at least one tightening device (4) for the at least one brake band device, wherein One end of the brake band arrangement is attached to the airbag, and the tightening device (4) pulls at least one brake band (3) of the brake band arrangement in a pulling direction (5) during a tightening operation, It is characterized in that At least one stop (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) is provided, by means of which the brake band (3) can be prevented from being pulled out counter to the pulling direction (5) after a tightening process.

2. Airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the tightening device (4) comprises the at least one stop (6.1, 6.2, 6.3).

3. An airbag device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tightening device (4) comprises a deflection element (7), which can be driven in a driving direction (11) and the deflection element (7) deflects the brake band (3) of the brake band device in the tightening device (4), wherein at least one stop (6.1, 6.2) prevents the deflection element (7) from moving in the opposite direction to the driving direction.

4. An airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the deflection element (7) is mounted on a holder (8) and the holder (8) can be driven in the housing (9) in the driving direction (11), wherein the stop (6.1) has a clamping element (10) arranged on the holder (8), which prevents the holder (8) from moving in the housing (9) opposite to the driving direction (11).

5. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning device (4) comprises a drivable rod-shaped adjusting element (12), wherein the stop (6.2) acts directly on the rod-shaped adjusting element (12).

6. An airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the stop (6.2) has a first locking element (13.1) and a second locking element (13.2), wherein the first locking element at least partially changes conically along the rod-shaped adjustment element (12), and the second locking element interacts with the conical part of the first locking element (13.1).

7. Airbag arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a stop (6.3) acts directly on the brake band (3) of the brake band arrangement.

8. The airbag device according to claim 7, wherein the stop (6.3) has a rib (14), along which the brake band (3) is guided, and the rib (14) is designed so that the brake band (3) can be moved in the pulling direction (5) and locked by the rib (14) in the opposite direction to the pulling direction (5).

9. Airbag arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the stop (6.3) has two groups of ribs (14) between which the brake band (2) is guided, wherein the two groups of ribs (14) are preferably arranged in a V-shape relative to one another.

10. An airbag arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the stop (3) comprises at least one cable guide (15) which is designed and arranged such that, when the brake band device is loaded counter to the pulling direction (4), the brake band (3) is loaded against the bases of the ribs (14) which are arranged in a V-shape relative to each other.

11. A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising: - backrest (16), - a seat (17), and - Airbag device according to any of the preceding claims.

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